What is the E2 Investor Visa and How to Obtain it?

Last update: October 13, 2024

If you want to grow your business and expand into new markets, the United States offers attractive opportunities. However, you need to have the right visa to start and manage a business in the USA. This is where the E2 Investor Visa comes into play.

The E2 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows citizens of certain countries to obtain permission to live and work in the United States by investing in a business. This visa offers entrepreneurs and investors the opportunity to contribute to the US economy and live in the land of the free.

In this comprehensive article, you will find everything you need to know about the E2 Investor Visa. We have compiled all the details for you, from visa conditions to the application process, from frequently asked questions to its advantages. If you are ready, let's take a look at all the details about the E2 investor visa.

What is the E2 Investor Visa?

The E2 visa is an investor visa issued to citizens of countries that have signed a trade and maritime agreement with the United States.

This visa is granted provided the investor invests a “substantial” amount of capital in a business in the United States and actively manages that business. The E2 visa is initially valid for a certain period of time, but the investor can renew the visa indefinitely as long as the investor meets the necessary conditions.

Who Can Apply for E2 Visa?

To apply for an E2 visa, you must meet the following conditions:

Becoming a Citizen of an Agreement Country: Turkey is one of the countries with an E2 visa agreement. Official web page link for all other countries
Investing in a Business in the US: Your investment must be an active business venture and involve a “substantial” amount of capital.
Ensuring Control of the Investment: You must own at least 50% of the business or maintain operational control.
Intent to Live and Work in the USA: Your purpose for entering the USA with an E2 visa must be to manage and develop the business in which you invested.

What are the Required Documents for the E2 Visa?

To apply for an E2 visa, you must prepare the following documents:

However, it is recommended that you consult a visa expert or employment lawyer to find out the most current requirements.

DS-160 Form: Application form filled out online.
Valid Passport: Passport valid for at least 6 months.
Visa Application Fee: Receipt showing that the visa application fee has been paid.
Photo: Biometric photo taken within the last 6 months.
Documents Proving Your Investment: Company formation documents, bank account statements, tax returns, rental agreements, etc.
Business Plan: A detailed business plan should explain the purpose of your investment, your business's activities, and your financial projections.
Resume: CV showing your education and work experience.

E2 Visa Application Process

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Fill out the DS-160 Form: Complete the DS-160 form online completely and accurately.
Pay the Visa Application Fee: Deposit the visa application fee online or at one of the contracted banks.
Make an Appointment: Make an appointment for your visa interview on the US Consulate's website. (You can plan by consulting a visa agency or a visa lawyer)
Prepare Your Documents: Prepare the documents listed above completely and in an orderly manner.
Attend the Visa Interview: Go to the US Consulate on the day and time of your appointment and attend the visa interview.
Wait for the Visa Result: The result of your visa application is usually known within a few weeks. (But this period may sometimes be extended due to diplomatic or political reasons)

E2 Visa Investment Amount: How Much Should You Invest?

There is no specific minimum investment amount to obtain an E2 Investor Visa, which can be confusing for many entrepreneurs. The “substantial” investment requirement is a relative concept that can vary from person to person and depends on many factors.

So what does a “significant” investment mean for an E2 visa? Here are the factors that affect the answer to this question:

1. Type and Sector of Business:

Capital Intensive Businesses: A higher amount of investment is expected for businesses operating in capital-intensive sectors such as production, manufacturing or technology.
Service Sector: Businesses in the service sector, such as consultancy, education or online services, can generally be established with lower capital.

2. Location of the Business:

Big Cities: Starting a business in big cities like New York and Los Angeles may require more investment due to higher rent and operating costs.
Small Cities: Starting a business in smaller cities or rural areas may be possible with less investment due to lower costs.

3. Size and Scope of the Business:

Large-Scale Businesses: A higher investment is expected for large-scale businesses that employ a large number of employees and cater to a wide customer base.
Small-Scale Businesses: Small-scale businesses with fewer employees and focusing on a niche market can be established with a lower investment.

4. Source of Investment:

Personal Savings: If the source of your investment is your personal savings, you will need to prove that these savings were obtained through legal means.
Loan or Debt: If you are financing part of your investment by taking out a loan or loan, it is important to demonstrate the credibility of the lender and your repayment plan.

E2 Visa General Application:

Although there is no exact number, of $100,000 and above considered “significant amounts.” However, there are cases where lower investments such as $50,000 may be sufficient to obtain an E2 visa.

Important Note: The investment amount alone does not guarantee you to obtain an E2 visa. It is also important that your investment is sufficient to establish and operate the business, has the potential to create jobs, and contribute to the U.S. economy.

Tips on Investment Amount for E2 Visa:

Prepare a detailed business plan: In your business plan, clearly explain how your investment will be used, your business' income and expense projections, and your job creation potential.
Prove your financial situation: Show the source of your investment and that you have sufficient financial resources with bank statements, tax returns and other financial documents.
Get professional help from an immigration lawyer: An immigration lawyer can guide you through the E2 visa application process and help you make the right decisions about the amount of investment.

To learn more about the E2 visa, you can review the following resources:

US Department of State: https://travel.state.gov/
US Citizenship and Immigration Services: https://www.uscis.gov/

Remember, the right strategy and preparation are crucial to obtaining an E2 visa. Consider your business needs and goals when determining the investment amount and strengthen your application process with help from an expert.

ITIN Number for E2 Visa ?

It is important that you take the right steps to fulfill your ergi obligations and operate your business legally during the E2 Visa process. This is where the ITIN number comes into play. Thanks to an ITIN, the IRS keeps records of the federal taxes you pay on income from your business in the United States. This background gives you an advantage when applying for an E2 Visa.

E2 visa holders must file a tax return on the income they earn in the United States. The ITIN number allows you to file your tax return accurately and on time.

Tips on E2 Visa and ITIN Number:

Get your ITIN number before your visa application: Although you are not required to show your ITIN number in your E2 visa application, getting your number in advance can speed up your application process.
Seek help from a tax advisor: The US tax system can be complex. It is important to properly understand and meet your tax obligations by seeking professional help from a tax advisor.
Keep your ITIN number in a safe place: Your ITIN number is as important as your SSN number. Keep your number safe and prevent identity theft.
Pay your taxes regularly: You must pay your tax return on time and accurately for the income you earn through your company formed in the USA. This gives you additional benefits when applying for an E2 visa in the future.

Citizenship with E2 Visa

For many entrepreneurs, the E2 Investor Visa is an important step in making the dream of starting a business and living in the United States a reality. However, the most important question on mind is often this: Is there a path to American citizenship with an E2 visa?

The answer to this question, unfortunately, is no . The E2 visa nonimmigrant visa and does not lead directly to American citizenship or a Green Card (permanent resident). The E2 visa allows the investor and his family to live and work in the United States for a certain period of time, but this period is limited and depends on visa conditions.

So, How Can E2 Visa Holders Obtain Citizenship?

There are different ways for those who want to obtain Usan citizenship after settling in the USA with an E2 visa:

1. By Continuously Renewing the E2 Visa:

The E2 visa can be renewed indefinitely every 2 years as long as the investment continues and visa conditions are met. This way, you can live and work in the USA for many years. However, this does not provide citizenship rights.

2. By Changing to a Different Visa Category:

If you are an E2 visa holder, you can apply for a different visa category if you meet certain conditions. For example, the EB-5 Investor Visa allow you to obtain a Green Card and then apply for citizenship.

E2 Visa Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long can I stay in the USA with an E2 visa?

The E2 visa is initially issued for a maximum of 5 years. However, the visa can be renewed indefinitely every 2 years as long as your investment continues and you meet the necessary conditions.

2. Can I bring my family to the USA with an E2 visa?

Yes, E2 visa holders can bring their spouses and unmarried children under 21 to the United States. Your spouse and children can apply for an E2 dependent visa. E2 dependent visa holders may be authorized to work in the United States.

3. Can I get a Green Card with an E2 visa?

The E2 visa is a non-immigrant visa and does not lead directly to a Green Card. However, if you are an E2 visa holder, you can apply for a Green Card through a different visa category (for example, EB-5 Investor Visa).

4. What is the minimum investment amount for the E2 visa?

There is no minimum investment amount for the E2 visa. However, your investment must be “significant”. This means your investment must be sufficient to start and operate the business and contribute to the U.S. economy. Generally, investments of $100,000 or more are considered “significant amounts.”

5. What can I do if my E2 visa application is rejected?

If your E2 visa application is rejected, you can examine the reasons for rejection, correct the deficiencies and apply again. It may also be helpful to seek professional help from an immigration attorney.

Advantages of E2 Visa

Permit to Live and Work in the USA: The E2 visa provides permission for you and your family to live and work in the USA.
Flexibility: The E2 visa offers the flexibility to start and run your own business.
Indefinite Renewal: You can renew your visa indefinitely as long as your investment continues.
Freedom of Travel: With an E2 visa, you can leave and re-enter the United States at any time.
Family Reunification: Your spouse and children can also come to the USA with you.
Contribution to the US Economy: The E2 visa allows you to create jobs and contribute to economic growth by investing in the US economy.

Tips on E2 Visa

Get Professional Help: The E2 visa application process can be complicated. Seeking professional help from an immigration lawyer can increase your application's chances of success.
Prepare a Detailed Business Plan: Your business plan is one of the most important documents that show the seriousness and success of your investment.
Prove Your Financial Situation: Provide documentation proving the source of your investment and that you have sufficient financial resources.
Be Patient: The E2 visa application process can take time. Be patient and follow the process.

Conclusion

The E2 Investor Visa is a valuable visa for entrepreneurs and investors that offers the opportunity to start and manage a business in the United States. In this article, we explained in detail the basic information you need to know about the E2 visa and the application process.

Remember, it is important that you do thorough research and seek professional help from an immigration lawyer before applying for an E2 visa.